Updated EU RoHS Exemptions List

The European Commission has recently updated the EU RoHS exemptions list. Importantly, as of July 1st, 2019, the exemptions 6(a) and 6(b) will be modified as follows:

Exemption #

Description

Expiration date

6a

Lead as an alloying element in steel for machining purposes and in galvanized steel containing up to 0.35 % lead by weight

Applies to categories 8 and 9. Expires on:
— 21 July 2021 for categories 8 and 9 other than in vitro diagnostic medical devices and industrial monitoring and control instruments;
— 21 July 2023 for category 8 in vitro diagnostic medical devices;
— 21 July 2024 for category 9 industrial monitoring and control instruments, and for category 11.

6a-I

Lead as an alloying element in steel for machining purposes containing up to 0,35 % lead by weight and in batch hot dip galvanized steel components containing up to 0.2 % lead by weight

Applies to categories 1 to 7 and 10. Expires on 21 July 2021 for categories 1-7 and 10.

6b

Lead as an alloying element in aluminum containing up to 0.4 % lead by weight

Applies to categories 8 and 9. Expires on:
— 21 July 2021 for categories 8 and 9 other than in vitro diagnostic medical devices and industrial monitoring and control instruments;
— 21 July 2023 for category 8 in vitro diagnostic medical devices;
— 21 July 2024 for category 9 industrial monitoring and control instruments, and for category 11.

6b-I

Lead as an alloying element in aluminum containing up to 0.4 % lead by weight, provided it stems from lead-bearing aluminum scrap recycling

Applies to categories 1 to 7 and 10. Expires on 21 July 2021 for categories 1-7 and 10.

6b-II

Lead as an alloying element in aluminum for machining purposes with a lead content up to 0.4 % by weight

Applies to categories 1 to 7 and 10. Expires on 18 May 2021 for categories 1-7 and 10.

RoHS product technical files and declarations of conformity will have to be updated accordingly.